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2018 Basket Press Shiraz
4.9 / 5
Barossa Valley, Australia•Shiraz

2018 Rockford Wines
Basket Press Shiraz

Historical National Wine Show Trophies
Platinum· 97Decanter DWWA
Gold· 96IWSC
Trophy· 97Sydney Royal
Gold· 96Melbourne Royal
Gold· 95.5Canberra Show
Dad’s Palate VerdictDecant: 90 mins

“An absolute benchmark Barossa juggernaut. Black mulberry, warm cedar, dark chocolate and old leather. Pour into the wide decanter 90 minutes before carving the roast beef.”

Technical Specifications

Verified vintage analysis & cellar handling parameters

Alcohol (ABV)
14.5%
Label standard
Origin
Barossa Valley
Australia
Oak Aging
French & American Hogsheads (24 months, 25% new)
Maturation profile
Closure Type
Natural Cork
TCA risk protection
Decant Time90 minutes in wide carafe
Serving Temp16°C - 18°C
Cellar Window2024 - 2045 (Peak 2028-2038)

WSET Tasting Notes (in Plain English)

Systematic approach stripped of snobbery, jargon, and nonsense.

Dad-Approved WSET Level 3
1. Appearance (In the Glass)

Opaque deep crimson with a magenta rim.

4. The Finish

Endless savoury finish with mocha and lingering black pepper.

2. On the Nose (Aromatics)
Ripe blackberryDark chocolateFreshly roasted coffeeSweet vanillin spiceDried eucalyptus
3. On the Palate (Flavour & Texture)
Concentrated black plumSavoury biltong depthVelvety fine-grained tanninsFirm spine of balanced acidity
Dad’s Drinking Window Verdict

Drink now with 90 min decant, or cellar with confidence for 20 years.

Culinary Science & Fire

Dad’s Kitchen & Hearth Pairing

Fat Softens Tannin · Acid Cuts Grease
The Ideal Table Cut:

Dry-Aged Wagyu Ribeye (Bone-In, 500g)

How Dad Prepares It:

Cast-iron seared with garlic butter, rosemary sprigs and Maldon sea salt crust.

Rendered Marbling

Coats the palate and binds astringent tannins, turning bold oak and dark fruit velvety.

Ironbark Coals

Subtle woodsmoke complements French barrel toasting without overpowering the wine's fruit core.

The Cook’s Rulebook
Butcher's Resting Rule:

“Cut at least 2 inches thick. Let it come to room temp for 40 minutes before hitting the screaming hot grill.”

Bring meat to room temp 40 mins before cooking
Pour wine into decanter when firing the grill
Always carve perpendicular to muscle grain
Retail Availability & Sourcing

Buy This Bottle

Estimated Retail$125 AUD
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